NWS Warns of Blizzard, Snow Melt Impacts

Another storm is headed our way, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Billings. There is a Blizzard Warning in effect from Wednesday morning through Thursday at noon, with 5 to 9 inches of snow expected and wind gusts as high as 49 mph possible.

The snow is predicted to start falling after 6 a.m. Wednesday. The wind will pick up in the afternoon and blow throughout the night. Snow could continue into Thursday morning, but will most likely clear up by afternoon.

Temperatures will remain in the 20s throughout the storm. With the wind chill, ice will form quickly, threatening people caught unprepared and unprotected young livestock.

Travel of any kind is not advised. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you, and if you get stranded stay with your vehicle.

For the latest road conditions, call 5 1 1.

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NWS Billings also issued a hydro-logic outlook on Monday, March 11 predicting an increase in snow melt impacts.

Warmer temperatures over the next week will increase snow melt at lower elevations. Melting water will not be able to soak into the frozen ground and will run off. Low land flooding, water on roadways, and basement flooding are expected.

Additionally, water flowing into creeks and streams will increase the potential for the formation of ice jams and more flooding. Muddy roads could strand vehicles and impede or cut off travel in some rural areas.

NWS advises moving equipment and livestock out of low lying areas and away from waterways, and removing heavy accumulations of snow away from home foundations.

Report any flooding or ice jam development to local law enforcement and ask them to pass the report on to the National Weather Service.